Page 36 of No Headlines Please

And definitely pissed off.

If the roles were reversed, I'd have been pissed, too.

The last thing I wanted was for her to bolt.

Still, I'd need to fix it and fast, because subterfuge wasn't my style, especially with people who deserved better.

Cal's gaze sharpened. "You're definitely acting funny."

Shit. "Maybe. But I've got my reasons."

Make that one reason. And the reason had a name – Delaney Sinclair, who sometime yesterday had become more than a name and a favor.

Exactly what she was, I didn't yet know. But I was liking the idea of finding out, which might be tricky with me living on the other side of town.

But I did have options.

Last night, those girls had mentioned a penthouse someone had rented for a party. Was it available?

Sometime this morning, the thought had lodged itself in my head. Being in the same building made sense – especially if trouble came calling.

What kind of trouble, I wasn't exactly sure. But I'd been asked to find her for a reason. And until I heard her story, I would be smart to keep her close – or rather, keep myself close, just in case.

Cal's voice interrupted my thoughts. "So what now? I'm off the job?"

In my mind, I could still see Delaney lugging that suitcase across the sidewalk. And yet, she'd still found a way to smile. It made me want to smile, too – until I thought of her in danger.

That wasn't happening.

And this, I'd handle personally.

I told Cal, "Nah. I'm thinking you should switch gears."

His eyebrows lifted. "Meaning?"

"Keep an eye on the dipshit instead."

"Evan Carver? But you've already got a team watching him."

I glanced toward the windows. "So watch the team. Never hurts to have more eyes."

As for myself, I would be watching Delaney Sinclair – and not only because I owed Ryder Vaughn that favor.

15

Of Ogres and Doojobbies

Delaney

In the quiet lobby, Beer Guy – or Walt Garvey, as he'd finally introduced himself – was frowning down at the documents. "You shouldn't even have this."

I stiffened. "It's not like I stole them. She's my sister. I'm visiting while she's out."

He looked up. "How can you visit if she's not here?"

"She will be here," I said, praying it was true.

His eyes narrowed. "When?"